Chui Yee Chin Selected Works 2019-2022

Chui Yee Chin

2019 — 2022 Selected Works

Chui Yee Chin yeechin.chui@gmail.com Singapore

I have a strong interest in architectural history, design, and the pursuit of learning.

My architectural works display a deep commitment to the re-examination of what constitutes as heritage through multiple perspectives, while my architectural conservation works have been focused on research into international heritage frameworks and cultivating necessary material conservation techniques.

Overall, these selected works from 2019 to 2022 narrate my journey in both architectural design and in the field of architectural conservation.

Work Experience

Research Assistant Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore 12/2019 - 06/2020

05/2021 - 12/2021

Architectural Intern DP Architects 05/2018 - 08/2018, 12/2018

Architectural Intern WASAA Architects & Associates

Research and Fieldwork

2022

2022

Building Condition Survey for Shophouse at 1 Teck Lim Road

Conservation Management Plan for Sembawang Malay Settlement Mosque 2022

Urban Connection, Conservation, and Re-Examination of National Narratives Master of Architecture Design Thesis

Application of the UNESCO Competence Framework for Cultural Heritage Management in Singapore Master of Arts (Architectural Conservation) Dissertation 2021

Achievements 2019

‘Power Up Pasir Panjang!’ Ideas Competition First Runner Up 2019

Proposed Marker of the Late Mr Lee Kuan Yew Competition Merit Prize 2017

NUS Architecture City Exhibition Selected Work - Adam, Eve, and the Serpent

In Pursuit of a Singaporean Heritage Quality Framework

Application of the UNESCO Competence Framework for Cultural Heritage Management in Singapore Master of Arts (Architectural Conservation) Dissertation, 2022 02.

Unveiling the Underbelly

03.

Conservation Fieldwork

A Compilation of Historic Building and Material Studies 2022

Urban Connection, Conservation, and Re-examination of National Narratives Master of Architecture Design Thesis, 2021 04.

MYRIOS

Transforming a Historic Power Station into an Innovation Hub ‘Power Up Pasir Panjang!’ Ideas Competition, 2019 05.

The Door

An Outdoor Installation in the Heartland Proposed Marker of the Late Mr Lee Kuan Yew Competition, 2019 06.

Returning Bukit Brown

A Memorial Gallery and Art Collective within a Historic Site Design Studio, 2020

In Pursuit of a Singaporean Heritage

Master of Arts (Architectural Conservation) Dissertation, 2022 Thesis Advisor: Dr. Nikhil Joshi

Abstract

In the 21st century, Singapore faces a new set of challenges within its built heritage sector. With the listing of Golden Mile Complex as a gazetted building in 2021, there has been greater discourse on the possibilities of conserving beyond architecture of a certain aesthetic, age, typology, or scale. Alongside the emergent pressures posed by climate change and the introduction of the heritage impact assessment (HIA) framework, these developments suggest that the conservation and management of the historic buildings and sites will become more demanding and diverse in the future. More than ever, the built heritage sector will have to strengthen their competence levels to meet new challenges and realise the goal of quality and sustainable conservation of Singapore’s built heritage.

With reference to an international heritage framework, the UNESCO Competence Framework for Cultural Heritage Management (‘Competence Framework’), this study examined the current and desired state of competences and capacity-building efforts of Singapore’s built heritage sector. It also explored the adaptation of the Competence Framework at a national level.

Heritage Quality Framework

Through a broad-based survey and semi-structured interviews with key personnel from the built heritage sector, this study identified priority areas and major barriers to capacity-building to aid in the development of future capacity-building initiatives. Key considerations such as the nature and aspirations of Singapore’s built heritage sector were also outlined to inform the adaptation of the Competence Framework.

The study concluded with recommendations on the attributes necessary for future capacity-building efforts and how the Competence Framework may be adapted to assure the future quality and sustainability of conservation works and heritage outcomes in Singapore. Overall, these contributions seek to serve as a starting point for greater studies into the development of Singapore’s heritage quality framework in the future.

Key Words

UNESCO Competence Framework for Cultural Heritage Management, Adapatation of International Frameworks, Singapore, Built Heritage, Capacity-building, Architectural Conservation

A copy of the dissertation may be shared upon request.

Unveiling the Underbelly

Master of Architecture Design Thesis, 2021

Thesis Advisor: Dr. Ho

Puay Peng

Prologue

In Singapore, national narratives are powerful tools. Not only are they used as anchors to unite a diverse populace with different lived experiences and memories, they also function as instruments ot legitimise and underpin the hegemony of those who craft them.

Through multiple layers of myth-making, national narratives have grown into monolithic fortresses - erasing the granularities of personal narratives and trapping the populace into a narrow perspective on the past, present, and even into the future. This is reflected in our everyday lives and built environment.

With an examination and focus into the Underbellycommunities who live with discordant and deviant narratives from the common Singaporean have been pushed out and hidden from our spaces and view - This thesis thus seeks to understand how architecture can aid in respecting and expanding the diversity of our narratives.

Hidden Under Monolithic National Narratives

Distinct Geophysical Legacies

Using the cluster of rental flats in York Hill estate and its history as a microcosm of Singapore, this thesis aims to foreground the historical narratives of York Hill and its people alongside the narratives associated with Fort Canning Hill and Pearl’s Hill. The selected approach capitalises on an opportunity found in the URA 2019 Draft Master Plan which sought to link the environs and green spaces from Singapore Botanic Gardens to Pearl’s Hill City Park.

The resulting urban and design intervention on York Hill estate can be read in 3 parts. First, the highway bridge re-establishes the historical connection between Pearl’s Hill, York Hill and the Singapore River and stitches the Underbelly back into the larger urban fabric. Second, changes were introduced to the rental flats in order to reflect the diversity of the rental community and living ideals of today, rather than the ideals of standardisation and efficiency of the 1960s. Third, the introduction of new ateliers and crafts-centric programmes in the Block 12 establishes a small cottage industry within York Hill estate. With new programmes and communities intertwining with the old, spaces were also maintained for the existing community to colonise and ensure that they do not lose their autonomy within the estate.

York Hill Labour and Commerce Fort Canning Hill Governance and Colonialism Pearl’s Hill Survelliance and Survival

To Foreground the ‘Underbelly’

Relinking York Hill back to its Wider Heritage Landscapes

1. Stitching the Historical Landscape 2. Living with Dignity 3.Spaces for Everyone Addressing the Physical, the Intangible, and the Everyday

Conservation Fieldwork

A Compilation of Historic Building and Material Studies, 2022

Conservation Management Plan for Sembawang Malay Settlement Mosque

Done in collaboration with Annisa Nikmah Fajriani

Background and Main Objectives

A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) of Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang was conducted between 24th March to 7th May 2022. A site visit was conducted on 3rd April 2022.

Completed in stages from 1963 to 1984, the mosque is a single storey, eclectic-style mosque located on an area of approximately 1,260m2 in the planning area of Sembawang. Sited near the Straits of Johore and a secondary forest, the lush and quaint setting of the mosque is unique within Singapore’s highly urbanised landscapes.

Built with the effort and financial contributions from the residents of the Malay Settlement, the mosque serves as a connection to and reminder of the former kampungs and their communities. It is also the last remnant of a series of small mosques which had mainly served the workers from the Sembawang Naval Base and communities living in the north. Today, the mosque remains well-frequented for worship and festivities despite its remote location. Overall, the mosque is a living legacy of local kampung mosque heritage amidst other historical landmarks in Sembawang.

The study’s main objectives were: 1) to narrate the historical, communal, and architectural development of the mosque, 2) to document the current physical condition of the mosque through a building condition survey, 3) to conduct an analysis and assessment of the conservation values and narrate the statement of significance of the mosque, and finally, 4) to propose a conservation strategy for the mosque considering its current non-protected status and other potential vulnerabilities.

Overall Findings and Recommendations

As a community-built mosque, existing documentation and research on its architecture was almost non-existent. Through on-site investigations and analysing historical evidence, some key findings include the fact that Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang had retained most of its original fabric despite major upgrading works in from 2007 to 2008. A notable number of elements within the mosque complex were found to have exceptional historicity, embodiment of heritage values, and had maintained their integrity and authenticity. The mosque also featured a degree of rarity amongst other vernacular mosques in Singapore with architectural analysis revealing distinct Nusantara influences in its architectural elements and form. Moreover, the mosque complex was also revealed to have been developed progressively in phases - reflecting the continuous efforts of the community to improve the mosque through the decades. Lastly, within its historical and socio-cultural landscapes, the mosque was a catalyst and venue for many educational and cultural initiatives which have far-reaching influences on the Malay-Muslim communities living in and beyond Sembawang.

With these findings, it is therefore integral to adopt appropriate measures to ensure the continued preservation and revelation of the heritage significance in Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang. In this CMP, the conservation strategies and recommendations are presented in two levels – First, the general overarching principles to guide conservation, interpretation, maintenance, and repair of the mosque complex. Second, a detailed set of recommendations to address the historicity and physical condition of the elements, components and fabric of the mosque complex based on the defects identified through on-site investigation. However, it is important to note that subsequent specialist investigation and advice, documentation, and development of a work plan will still be needed to direct all in-depth conservation actions in the future.

A copy of the CMP may be shared upon request.

Building Condition Survey for Shophouse at 1 Teck Lim Road

Background and Main Objectives

This Building Condition Survey (BCS) was undertaken by a team of 8 students under the guidance of Dr. Nikhil Joshi and support from fivefootway consultants. It was conducted from 18th January to 8th February 2022.

Established in 1939, 1 Teck Lim Road is a 4-storey, Art Deco style, terrace shophouse with an attic located on a freehold land area of approximately 1,976 sq. ft. Given the size of the shophouse, time, and manpower available, the team had restricted the area of study to the second storey common corridor and one window at the Southern wall of the shophouse only. The main objectives were: 1) to identify visible defects and record the current conditions observed on site, 2) to present the findings in the form of a written report and measured drawings, and 3) to offer final recommendations for the site. Visual and tactile surveys with no destructive techniques were done on site.

Conducted in 2 parts, Part I of the study was the site visit. The team had delegated the work into two groups: one group was to record the findings for the North and East elevation, while the other was to record the findings for the window, South, and West elevation. Measurements, written notes and photographs were taken on site to aid the process of measured drawings and report writing. Part II of the study consisted of work delegation, preparation, and compilation of the team’s findings for the report submission. Each team member was delegated specific areas of the site to produce measured drawings for and a draft report. These were subsequently reviewed. The team once again divided into two groups - one tasked with completing annotations and other necessary drawings while the other focused on writing and compiling the content for the report, based on the feedback received.

Overall Findings and Recommendations

During the site visit, the team had discovered that the surface finishes of the second storey common corridor were painted over indiscriminately with a thick coat of paint. The poor workmanship displayed has led to undesirable consequences such as the wrinkling of paint on some of the timber partition surfaces and poor condition of the ironmongery. Additionally, the mild steel casement windows displayed initial and heavy levels of corrosion. Lastly, many of the original green “Victorian Daisy” patterned glass panels of the timber partitions were inappropriately and poorly replaced with white frosted PVC panels. While these issues do not require immediate action, it is advisable to remove th ironmongery carefully to assess their level of operability and remove as much of the excessive paint coat. Replacement of the white frosted PVC panels with the same green “Victorian Daisy” patterned glass panels during the restoration process is also recommended.

While the team did not identify any structural cracks on the walls, signs of termite infestations in the timber or severe corrosion of the casement windows, it is important to note that with the limited time on site coupled with the thick coat of paint over the surfaces, specialists, and further non-destructive tests are recommended for further investigation to aid in the identification of potentially complex hidden issues.

Overall, 1 Teck Lim Road will require a compromise between its original state and compliance with current building and safety regulations. Although its nature as a building located in a historic district possibly allows it to be eligible for waivers, as a public building, it will need to provide adequate handicap accessibility and compliance with fire safety regulations as well. Early consultations with the Building Construction Authority and the Fire Safety and Shelter Department (FSSD) is also recommended.

A copy of the BCS may be shared upon request.

Selected Annotated Drawings (Not to Scale in portoflio)

MYRIOS

Competition Entry for the ‘Power Up Pasir Panjang!’ Ideas Competition, 2019 First Runner Up

Done in collaboration with Yany Chan

Transluscent material used to allow for visual connection

A variety of nodal areas for relaxation or work

Maximising the high volume of the space

Nodal areas are spaced apart to encourage movement through the space

Conceptual Diagram

Variety of different sized spaces for the individual and the group

‘Power Up Pasir Panjang!’ Ideas Competition seeks to challenge participants to think of innovative ideas to transform Power Station ‘A’ and give it a new lease of life. As an embodiment of Singapore’s early industrialisation and the architectural style of its time, Power Station ‘A’ presents exciting possibilities for new uses to be injected in a historic power station. Much of Pasir Panjang’s industrial past has been defined by the use of heavy machinery and tools. In MYRIOS, a form of re-thinking was put forth to conceptualise a creative space which highlights the people - the brains of our industries - instead.

Programmes in MYRIOS are people-centric and collaborative in nature. Colourful sound-proofing fabric provides a flexible and fun way to define spaces for these activities at different scales while keeping the large volume of the two halls - the turbine and boiler hallsopen. The buzz of the halls echoes the myriad of activities at the Pasir Panjang container terminal and the translucent characteristic of the fabric offers a spectacle to those transversing through the spaces. The linearity of space in the existing halls is further emphasised by the organisation of the upper floor programme in spines to encourage greater interaction. Overall, MYRIOS embodies the progressive and collaborative energies which have shaped our industries.

The Myriad of Activities in Power Station ‘A’

echoing the fabric seen below, the play spine offers intimate spaces for users to cultivate their rapport with one another through leisure activities

play spine collaboration spine

with the location nodal areas on both ends of the spine, movement is encouraged through the spine, opening up opportunities to interact

Layout of MYRIOS and its components

long but slightly narrow corridors for more opportunities to meet one another

office spine

collaborate

work

third floor

collaborate learn

eat

relax

work create

third floor

relax

second floor

play first floor

pop-up retail bubble breakout space serviced learning space resource library heritage area

discussion bubble exhibition panel flexible learning space cafe

steps

The Door

Competition Entry for the Proposed Marker of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew Competition, 2019 Merit Prize

Done in collaboration with Michelle Loh

Conceptual Diagrams

Proposed Approach towards the Marker

Use of Colours and Languages

Elevation and Section of The Door

Sembawang Town Council initiated a competition to design a Marker which commemorates the historical speech made by Singapore’s founding prime minister, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, after Singapore’s independence at the Sree Narayana Mission on 12th September 1965. The Marker was also meant to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Sree Narayana Mission. The proposed Marker was to be accompanied by the text:

“Ten years from now, this will be a metropolis. Never fear!”

The Door is a representation of Mr Lee’s legacy and ideals which ring true in his famed 1965 speech at the Mission. At first glance, the phrase “Never Fear!” floats within a cloud of vibrant colours on a clear acrylic panel. The phrase is jumbled up amongst others, a representation of the cloud of uncertainty which shrouded Singapore’s path. However, by sliding the tinted coloured panels on the viewfinder, the user is able to discern hidden messages through the application of colour theory. With the viewfinder, the marker incorporates a dynamic point of interaction. Moreover, the marker serves as a beacon of light, offering a moment of an enlightenment when one has discerned Mr Lee’s message.

Sliding Panel and Track Detail

The transparent red, green and blue acrylic panels, each reveal a different message in blue, pink and yellow respectively.

Each tinted panel also consists a part of the speech - viewing the marker through viewfinder will bring the full speech together.

Aluminium Track

Clear Plexiglas Bent to Form Plexiglas Bolted to Cement

Layout of MYRIOS and its components

Returning Bukit Brown

Academic Work, 2020

Studio Tutor: Dr. Johannes Widodo

A History of Resistance and Changing Landscapes in

Brown and The Substation

The perception of land and its transformations by the State and the people was the point of entry in this study. To the State, land serves as a form of certainty. Once land has been exhumed, it is now neutralised and can be shaped to its desired utopian form. To the Chinese however, the land is integral to the rites in and deeply influences Chinese burial rituals, especially with regards to the Feng Shui of the tomb and its settings. Over time, the nuances of the land can either be amplified or weakened in its relationship with the living. Therefore, these Chinese burial rituals cannot be understood without the physical presence of the burial ground. Once they have been abstracted out of their context, the symbolic link between the burial rituals would have been lost as well. In land scarce Singapore, the contestations of land run deep - and what the people lose is often more invisible and symbolic than what is eventually found arising from the neutralised land.

Upon the examination of the case study of Bukit Brown Cemetery, various examples of resistance by the local Chinese to preserve their burial traditions and rites amidst new colonial policies and rules were found. Moreover, parallels of this history of contestations and resistance from the people could be seen also in Singapore’s first independent contemporary arts centre, The Substation. The Substation was conceptualised as a site of resistance for the creatives in Singapore so that they may express themselves freely in their work. However, as its original locale in 45 Armenian Street gradually undergoes the process of gentrification and its impending end of lease in 2021, The Substation has also begun to lose its stronghold on its autonomy over creative expression. As two sites with similar roots of resistance against the State, coupled with the hidden nature of Bukit Brown Cemetery, this thesis proposes a design intervention which imagines a new form of synergy which emerges from The New Substation within Bukit Brown Cemetery.

Bukit

1990 An Eden for the Arts 2015 Stifled Creativity 2021 Where can the Arts go? The Future Singapore’s Last Breathing Space

1918 Autonomy vs State 1922 Colonial Policies vs Traditions of the People 2011 Civic Resistance vs Subservience

10

10

exit to stage first floor plan second floor plan

entrance to garden side entrance exit to stage main entrance

exit to stage

Bookstore / Reception

Public Toilets

Conservation is not only about the past. It is also about how the heritage site can be sustained in the years to come. As Bukit Brown as an area becomes more developed and The New Substation settles within its new site, the design intervention explores urban expansions to respond to these changes. The following marks how The New Substation will continue to grow and change from 2020 to 2050. 2020 A New Home / Conservation

grave of ong sam leong public interpretation zone and bukit brown gallery existing caretaker’s hut

semi-private New Substation and artist residencies

heritage tree new road from gymkhana avenue

Long Pavilion Co-sharing Workshops and Makers’ Studio

connecting the new community to the past new residential developments

2050 Sanctuary / Engagement

protecting the fringe

community led initiatives engaging wider audiences

Thank You